Abel's Harp, Bromlow

Abel's Harp must have the most dramatic location of pubs in the West Shropshire area. Situated on high ground overlooking the Welsh hills, the panoramic views enjoyed from it are an absolute delight. Moreover, to the rear, and at a higher level still, is Bromlow Callow, the circle of trees that is very much a Shropshire landmark. The pub name refers to Abel Woodus, a character in Mary Webb's Gone to Earth, who just happened to be a harpist! Also, the book just happened to include a reference to the Callow!

The current owners opened the hotel in November 2012 and have created "a bar, restaurant and small boutique style hotel" It is immediately apparent though that they had a vision for the place. One facet of that is the acknowledgement that the building is of different dates, thus the décor should reflect that. There’s an elegant entrance foyer, the main dining room and bar, together with a sitting room, but what makes an impact is the quirky and artistic way in which those spaces have been furnished and decorated. There are far too many individual items to describe, but for example, the dining room has a wonderful mix of styles of tables and chairs, together with a whole host of “knick-knacks” such as retro radios. And not to be missed is the fire bench, where one can presumably sit and toast bread and/or toes. The sitting room, or gallery as it is called, is a delightful little haven. Comfortable seating, and surrounded by a comforting mix of paintings and so forth, makes it an easy place to loiter. The paintings are for sale. As to the entrance foyer, almost inevitably a harp takes pride of place, but a small threshing machine seems quite at ease there as well.

This boutique hotel is firmly in the South Shropshire Hills, so it is handy for the masses of walks in the vicinity, which includes being the starting point for walk number 3 of the Walking with Offa series.

May close for private functions, e.g. weddings.